Dual volume control - it should be standard

Two volume controls would always be better than one and a balance pot. It is however a bit more fiddly to adjust the levels. Here is a trick I saw Steve McCormack demonstrate at a High Fi show: He set up a preamp with the two volume pots connected with a friction string system like on an old school tuner. You can let them turn together while just moving one, or adjust them seperately if needed. I'm thinking "why doesn't everybody do that"

Not sure it can be done very successfully with stepped attenuators - unfortunately (maybe with 41 steps).

Stepped attenuators are my favorite.

Yep. Redgum can provide the belt for $15 that will do just that. No need for me.

Yes Rrog & Charles1dad, it's unfortunate CC is out of business. Last week I had Radio Shack modded my 7.1 HT processor with 7 volume controls. So far all I can say is WOW!!! ... and not broken in yet. I was told it takes ~10000 hours for a thorough break in.

I like to adjust the volume between tracks and my sitting position from the processor is ~16' so get plenty of exercise. Only problem is it takes ~7 hours to play a disc because I usually play the same track ~10 times before getting the correct volume but well well worth the hassle. After all, I'm a TRUE audiophile.